I'm looking for a dog who, first and foremost, has a stable temperament. Ideally there would be minimal dog reactivity and no fear issues. The dog would have to have a good off switch, assuming it gets sufficient exercise each day. I'm willing to have a bit more low-key, less drivey BC if it means gaining this stability. The dog would have to be able to operate well in the presence of other dogs.

I would want to use the dog primarily for agility, competitive obedience and flyball. I don't need to be the best of the best of the best, but I do want to be competitive at the higher levels of each sport. I want a velcro do. I think I'd want a male, and I'd prefer him to be relatively small (not over 40 lbs, I guess?).

This potential future puppy will be a good few years off, but I'm kind of excited about the whole research process.

What are people's thoughts on the above breeders? Can you share any other names/websites I should scope out? Are there any details I've forgotten to include?

If I were choosing, I would pursue Ewenique Farm. They seem like a good, down to earth breeder who uses their dogs on the farm, but also trials and health tests.

And to be really honest, I personally would not pursue PowerTripp for the simple fact that I generally do not like the massive coats all those dogs are sporting. They do seem like they have a good mix of working and sporting ability in each of their dogs, if that's what you're looking for.

I've heard Mary Thompson of Hawk's Landing Border Collies is a good breeder, they're working dogs. I know she had a litter born around the 1st of November so ready in January, if you're interested in sooner rather than later. She's in London, Ontario. I'm pretty sure someone on here has a BC from her, so you could ask what they're like.

I've heard Mary Thompson of Hawk's Landing Border Collies is a good breeder, they're working dogs. I know she had a litter born around the 1st of November so ready in January, if you're interested in sooner rather than later. She's in London, Ontario. I'm pretty sure someone on here has a BC from her, so you could ask what they're like.

Oh, doh! I didn't realize she was in Ontario. Yes, definitely go to her! AllieMackie's Finn is from her!

Finnegan a fabulous dog, and great specimen of the working BC. Easygoing, but biddable and raring to work when needed. EXCELLENT off switch when he hit maturity around age two. He has some quirks and the odd obsession, but they're due to situational problems, not his breeding. I am more than pleased with his breeding and would happily go to her again if I wanted another breeder-BC.

She's easy to talk to and was very welcoming. We're in touch every few months with photo updates and emails, four years after getting Finnegan.